Media Release

New Federal Monies an Opportunity for Transparency

EDMONTON, AB& ‐ The new Canada Health Transfer deal could mean an additional $900 million dollars for Alberta’s health system and the Alberta Party is asking the provincial government to clarify where the money will go. In the past, the provincial government has been less than forthright in sharing information on how money is being spent within the system.

The new deal is an opportunity for the provincial government to start showing openness and transparency with the people of Alberta.

“Through hours of talking with Albertans, one thing has become very clear,” says Alberta Party Leader Glenn Taylor. “Health care is their number one concern.” But it is also clear that people are not sure about what the solutions could be because they haven’t been privy to how the system functions and what issues exist.

“Because the front-­line workers have essentially been muzzled, there is no way to find out exactly what the problems are,” Taylor continues. “It is almost impossible to have open dialogue when there is no transparency within the system.”

The provincial government won’t say whether the extra money will be used as an addition to the existing health budget or whether it will simply replace money the province has already committed.

“One thing Albertans are sure of is that the system is getting worse every year,” says Edmonton-­Rutherford Alberta Party candidate Michael Walters. “We need smart management of our health system and that will only happen when everyone is brought into the discussion.”

The Alberta Party has four priorities in the area of health that include home care and long term care, family doctors and primary care, prevention of illness and injury and mental health and addictions. The full Alberta Party health policy can be found at www.lbertaparty.ca/health.